Caterers have been ordered to limit the number of courses served, and those flouting the rules have been punished.

Wasting food could be considered criminal. But should people be punished for serving excessive food at parties to prevent such wastage?

Members of the Dawoodi Bohra community have had to grapple with this unexpected question over the past month, after a new edict by their religious leader made it mandatory for Bohra caterers to serve only a limited quantity of dishes at weddings and other events. The rules, however, apply only to meals served in Bohra community halls. According to people within the community, those not complying with the new food norms have been made to personally apologise to the clergy and pay hefty fines.

A small sect of Shia Muslims hailing predominantly from Gujarat, the Dawoodi Bohras are known for their rich, meaty cuisine and sumptuous wedding meals served in multiple courses on thaals – large metal plates around which at least eight people sit to eat. A typical Bohra party meal often begins with ice-cream, and includes two desserts (called mithaas), two courses of meat starters (called kharaas), two types of salad, a curry with naan, soup and a main course of biryani or pulao. Dry fruit, paan and cold drinks are accompaniments.

But Bohras are also known for the strict control that the religious head, the Syedna, has over almost all aspects of the community’s life, and according to some members, the new edict is a reflection of that.

No wastage

The farmaan (edict) was issued about six weeks ago through announcements in Bohra mosques, and text messages sent to community members by the religious administration. It asks caterers and party hosts to serve meals with only one dessert, one starter and one salad instead of two each, in addition to curry, naan, soup and the main course.

“The kharaas has to be one single food item – platters of multiple varieties of tikkas and kebabs are no longer allowed,” said Firoze Thandlawala, owner of Mumbai’s Thandlawala Caterers, one of around 50 Bohra catering services in the city.

Health and hygiene is also a major focus of the edict, which states that food must be cooked in minimal oil, in hygienic conditions. According to some caterers, officials from the Bohra religious administration also now conduct inspections of their kitchens.

“This is an excellent decision by the Syedna, even though the rules apply only to meals served in Bohra community halls,” said a staff member of a prominent Bohra catering service, who wished to remain anonymous. “I have worked in this business for 27 years and I’ve seen how much food gets wasted because people want lavish meals with many more courses than they can eat.”

Thandlawala is among many caterers and community members who have welcomed the edict because of their faith in the Syedna. “Maula [the Syedna] is always right,” said Thandlawala. “Besides, if people stop having lavish wedding meals, poorer clients will not feel so pressured to have big feasts themselves.”

A form of control?

This is not the first time that the Bohra leadership has attempted to improve the community’s food habits. In the past decade, there have been farmaans asking Bohras to refrain from deep-fried food, and to caterers to stop serving aerated soft drinks. This time, however, the imposition of the new rules seems to be rather severe.

While most Bohras believe the edict on limited food is a good way to prevent wastage and an excessive display of wealth, some have been alarmed to receive WhatsApp messages about the punishments that certain caterers had to face when they violated the rules.

“I can confirm that two caterers from Mumbai were made to go to senior clergy members and officially apologise for serving two sweet dishes and two kharaas at a recent function,” said a Mumbai caterer, who asked to remain anonymous. “What’s more, they were forced to travel all the way to Khambat in Gujarat to make their apology, because the clergymen in question happened to be in Khambat at the time.”

Community members also reported receiving messages about other punishments that Bohras from various parts of the country had to face for violating the food edict. These ranged from paying monetary fines to having to clean the local mosque for three days.

Despite several attempts, Scroll.in was unable to reach the spokespersons of the Bohra administration.

The edict and punishments have been a subject of intense discussion on Bohra WhatsApp groups, with one section perceiving the penalties as a form of control. “The new food rules work very well as advice for preventing wastage and eating healthy,” said a Bohra homemaker from Gujarat. “But punishing people in this manner is a bit too much.”

The homemaker added: “People should not be treated like they are in school. This community follows everything the Syedna says anyway, so why do they need to impose the rules in this manner?”

Other Bohras see the penalties in a more positive light. “The purpose behind the food edict is very good,” said a Bohra teacher from Ahmedabad, who also requested anonymity. “But I don’t think people will actually follow it until they are made to fear certain consequences for violating the rules.”

Ten awesome TV shows to get over your post-GoT blues

With those withdrawal symptoms kicking in, all you need is a good rebound show.

Hangovers tend to have a debilitating effect on various human faculties, but a timely cure can ease that hollow feeling generally felt in the pit of the stomach. The Game of Thrones Season 7 finale has left us with that similar empty feeling, worsened by an official statement on the 16-month-long wait to witness The Great War. That indeed is a long time away from our friends Dany, Jon, Queen C and even sweet, sweet Podrick. While nothing can quite replace the frosty thrill of Game of Thrones, here’s a list of awesome shows, several having won multiple Emmy awards, that are sure to vanquish those nasty withdrawal symptoms:

1. Billions

There is no better setting for high stakes white collar crime than the Big Apple. And featuring a suited-up Paul Giamatti going head-to-head with the rich and ruthless Damien Lewis in New York, what’s not to like? Only two seasons young, this ShowTime original series promises a wolf-of-wall-street style showcase of power, corruption and untold riches. Billions is a great high-octane drama option if you want to keep the momentum going post GoT.

2. Westworld

What do you get when the makers of the Dark Knight Trilogy and the studio behind Game of Thrones collaborate to remake a Michael Crichton classic? Westworld brings together two worlds: an imagined future and the old American West, with cowboys, gun slingers - the works. This sci-fi series manages to hold on to a dark secret by wrapping it with the excitement and adventure of the wild west. Once the plot is unwrapped, the secret reveals itself as a genius interpretation of human nature and what it means to be human. Regardless of what headspace you’re in, this Emmy-nominated series will absorb you in its expansive and futuristic world. If you don’t find all of the above compelling enough, you may want to watch Westworld simply because George RR Martin himself recommends it! Westworld will return for season 2 in the spring of 2018.

3. Big Little Lies

It’s a distinct possibility that your first impressions of this show, whether you form those from the trailer or opening sequence, will make you think this is just another sun-kissed and glossy Californian drama. Until, the dark theme of BLL descends like an eerie mist, that is. With the serious acting chops of Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman as leads, this murder mystery is one of a kind. Adapted from author Liane Moriarty’s book, this female-led show has received accolades for shattering the one-dimensional portrayal of women on TV. Despite the stellar star cast, this Emmy-nominated show wasn’t easy to make. You should watch Big Little Lies if only for Reese Witherspoon’s long struggle to get it off the ground.

4. The Night of

The Night Of is one of the few crime dramas featuring South Asians without resorting to tired stereotypes. It’s the kind of show that will keep you in its grip with its mysterious plotline, have you rooting for its characters and leave you devastated and furious. While the narrative revolves around a murder and the mystery that surrounds it, its undertones raises questions on racial, class and courtroom politics. If you’re a fan of True Detective or Law & Order and are looking for something serious and thoughtful, look no further than this series of critical acclaim.

5. American Horror Story

As the name suggests, AHS is a horror anthology for those who can stomach some gore and more. In its 6 seasons, the show has covered a wide range of horror settings like a murder house, freak shows, asylums etc. and the latest season is set to explore cults. Fans of Sarah Paulson and Jessica Lange are in for a treat, as are Lady Gaga’s fans. If you pride yourself on not being weak of the heart, give American Horror Story a try.

6. Empire

At its heart, Empire is a simple show about a family business. It just so happens that this family business is a bit different from the sort you are probably accustomed to, because this business entails running a record label, managing artistes and when push comes to shove, dealing with rivals in a permanent sort of manner. Empire treads some unique ground as a fairly violent show that also happens to be a musical. Lead actors Taraji P Henson and Terrence Howard certainly make it worth your while to visit this universe, but it’s the constantly evolving interpersonal relations and bevy of cameo appearances that’ll make you stay. If you’re a fan of hip hop, you’ll enjoy a peek into the world that makes it happen. Hey, even if you aren’t one, you might just grow fond of rap and hip hop.

7. Modern Family

When everything else fails, it’s comforting to know that the family will always be there to lift your spirits and keep you chuckling. And by the family we mean the Dunphys, Pritchetts and Tuckers, obviously. Modern Family portrays the hues of familial bonds with an honesty that most family shows would gloss over. Eight seasons in, the show’s characters like Gloria and Phil Dunphy have taken on legendary proportions in their fans’ minds as they navigate their relationships with relentless bumbling humour. If you’re tired of irritating one-liners or shows that try too hard, a Modern Family marathon is in order. This multiple-Emmy-winning sitcom is worth revisiting, especially since the brand new season 9 premiers on 28th September 2017.

8. The Deuce

Headlined by James Franco and Maggi Gyllenhaal, The Deuce is not just about the dazzle of the 1970s, with the hippest New York crowd dancing to disco in gloriously flamboyant outfits. What it IS about is the city’s nooks and crannies that contain its underbelly thriving on a drug epidemic. The series portrays the harsh reality of New York city in the 70s following the legalisation of the porn industry intertwined with the turbulence caused by mob violence. You’ll be hooked if you are a fan of The Wire and American Hustle, but keep in mind it’s grimmer and grittier. The Deuce offers a turbulent ride which will leave you wanting more.

9. Dexter

In case you’re feeling vengeful, you can always get the spite out of your system vicariously by watching Dexter, our favourite serial killer. This vigilante killer doesn’t hide behind a mask or a costume, but sneaks around like a criminal, targeting the bad guys that have slipped through the justice system. From its premier in 2006 to its series finale in 2013, the Emmy-nominated Michael C Hall, as Dexter, has kept fans in awe of the scientific precision in which he conducts his kills. For those who haven’t seen the show, the opening credits give an accurate glimpse of how captivating the next 45 minutes will be. If it’s been a while since you watched in awe as the opening credits rolled, maybe you should revisit the world’s most loved psychopath for nostalgia’s sake.

Available starting October

10. Rome

If you’re still craving an epic drama with extensive settings and a grandiose plot and sub-plots, Rome, co-produced by HBO and BBC, is where your search stops. Rome is a historical drama that takes you through an overwhelming journey of Ancient Rome’s transition from a republic to an empire. And when it comes to tastes, this series provides the similar full-bodied flavour that you’ve grown to love about Game of Thrones. There’s a lot to take away for those who grew up quoting Julius Caesar, and for those looking for a realistic depiction of the legendary gladiators. If you’re a history buff, give this Emmy-winning show a try.

For your next obsession, Hotstar Premium has you covered with its wide collection of the most watched shows in the world. Apart from the ones we’ve recommended, Indian viewers can now easily watch other universally loved shows such as Silicon Valley and Prison Break, and movies including all titles from the Marvel and Disney universe. So take control of your life again post the Game of Thrones gloom and sign up for the Hotstar Premium membership here.

This article was produced by the Scroll marketing team on behalf of Hotstar and not by the Scroll editorial team.